Ohio Offers Ideal Environment for Success in the Logistics Industry

Ohio's supportive business environment and strong manufacturing infrastructure creates an ideal location for executives in the logistics industry to build their business, according to the Ohio Business Development Coalition (OBDC), a nonprofit organization that markets the state for capital investment.

"Ohio boasts one of the leading supply chains in the nation and offers easy market access to the nation's logistics infrastructure and a manufacturing base that can't be beat," said Ed Burghard, executive director of the Ohio Business Development Coalition. "But what makes Ohio distinctive is its combination of metropolitan and micropolitan city structures. This unique mix is what makes Ohio so appealing and provides executives the resources and time to pursue both their professional goals and personal aspirations without having to compromise one for the other. Ohio truly is the state of perfect balance ."

Ohio-based ASW Global is just one example of a business leveraging Ohio's unique qualities and transforming them into success in the logistics industry . With more than one million square feet of facility space, ASW Global is a leading supply chain management company providing clients with logistical, warehouse, distribution and outsourcing needs. It also is one of the largest minority-owned businesses in Ohio.

"Ohio's within 600 miles of 60 percent of U.S. population and 50 percent of the Canadian population," said Andre Thornton, chairman and CEO of ASW Global. "Combined with the state's well-trained labor force, Ohio is a great location for a logistics company."

Thornton is a former Cleveland Indians baseball player and highly successful entrepreneur. Prior to working at ASW Global, he managed GPI Procurement Services headquartered in Ohio and Apple Partners, a restaurant management group that was sold to Applebee's International.

"Playing baseball, I sampled life all over the country," said Thornton. "Ohio's balance keeps me here."

Thornton says everything he needs is within a 30-minute drive. From sporting and cultural events to excellent schools and medical facilities, Thornton and his family enjoy all the amenities of the city without big city congestion. As a winner of baseball's coveted Roberto Clemente and Hutch Awards for humanitarianism, Thornton still loves being able to make a difference in his community. In Ohio, he has both the time and opportunity.

Thornton was featured in the "Why Ohio?" advertising campaign, a series highlighting prominent executives in a variety of industries who have found business and personal success in Ohio. The ad first appeared in the Wall Street Journal July 16.

About the Ohio Business Development Coalition

The Ohio Business Development Coalition is a nonprofit organization that provides marketing strategy and implementation to support Ohio's economic development efforts. For more information, visit http://www.ohiomeansbusiness.com .

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